Heron-based UAV to be made in Brazil

BEN GURION INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Israel, April 1 (UPI) -- Israel Aerospace Industries' Brazilian partner is moving toward production of a long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle using IAI technology.

The medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV is called the Cacador and is designed to meet specific Brazilian needs and requirements.

IAI said its Brazilian partner, Avionics Services, has started the process of production, maintenance and operation for the manufacture of the aircraft, which is based on IAI's Heron UAV.

The Cacador will be equipped with an automatic takeoff and landing system and will be capable of carrying a variety of mission payloads for line-of-sight missions or beyond-line-of-sight missions using satellite communications.

European Advanced Technology, a Brazilian subsidiary of IAI, has a minority holding in Avionics Services, which will conduct joint activities with IAI for the Brazilian defense market through a cooperation agreement.

"The cooperation agreement's main target markets are defense and public security projects primarily for the Brazilian market, which may potentially be extended to international markets in the future." IAI said.

IAI said production of the UAV by Avionics Services is part of a planned expansion of its business footprint in Brazil.

Details as to when the first Cacador is expected to roll off the production line were not disclosed.